UFA Tracker

Rumor Roundup: Vermette, Glencross and Petry deals close

With the trade deadline just four days away, the trade watch for Arizona’s Antoine Vermette, Calgary’s Curtis Glencross and Edmonton’s Jeff Petry is at its peak. The Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers are teams who have made calls about one or more of the available players.

Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette still tops the list of best available player on the trade market. Prized for his two-way skills and ability to play center or wing, interest remains high in the 32-year-old forward.

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch links Vermette to the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, suggesting the Pittsburgh Penguins could also get into the bidding.

NBC Sports’ Dhiren Mahiban recently cited a radio interview by Coyotes GM Don Maloney saying he wasn’t impressed with the offers he’s received for tradeable assets like Vermette. “We’d just like a little bit more than is being offered right now,” said Maloney.

Don’t be surprised if Maloney waits until deadline day to move Vermette in hopes of boosting his traede value.

GLENCROSS DEAL HEATING UP FOR FLAMES

The trade rumors are heating up for Calgary Flames left wing Curtis Glencross. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers are believed watching the 32-year-old Glencross closely. The Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning are reportedly on his list of preferred trade destinations.

Friedman claims the Washington Capitals aren’t on Glencross’ list but he thinks he could be a good fit with them. Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s Andrew Walker claims the Capitals are in fact closing in on a deal for Glencross, who is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join them.

With the Blackhawks having lost winger Kane to injury, they could also get into the hunt for Glencross. The Ducks and Lightning are reportedly seeking defensive depth so they’re unlikely to make a pitch for the Flames winger. The Kings’ recent acquisition of defenseman Andrej Sekera probably takes them out of the trade market. The Predators could use a top-six winger but it’s not a pressing need.

A possible stumbling block could be the return sought by the Flames. It was initially believed they would prefer draft picks or prospects, but Friedman believes they could seek a player to help them reach the playoffs this season.

SEKERA TRADE SETS TABLE FOR PETRY DEAL

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry remains a notable trade candidate leading up to the trade deadline. Oilers management attempted to re-sign the 27-year-old but he intends to test the free-agent market. He’s expected to be moved before the deadline.

Petry is a right-handed defenseman, a most-prized commodity in this year’s trade market. With Sekera being dealt to the Kings and Arizona Coyotes’ rearguard Michalek sidelined by concussion symptoms, there could be increased interest in Petry. The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning could pursue him.

Rumor Roundup appears regularly only on thehockeynews.com. Lyle Richardson has been an NHL commentator since 1998 on his website, spectorshockey.net, and is a contributing writer for Eishockey News and The Guardian (P.E.I.).